Lesson Plans

These lesson plans were created for teachers to build their students’ knowledge about the Earth’s water and how it is used. The link contains three lesson plans for grades 3 and 4 that may be used as an entire unit, or as stand-alone activities. Students will have a better understanding of the water cycle, how we use water, and why water conservation is important. This knowledge will help students learn what they can do to protect the Earth.

These lesson plans were created for teachers to build their students’ knowledge about the Earth’s water and how it is used. The link contains three lesson plans for grades 3 and 4 that may be used as an entire unit, or as stand-alone activities. Students will have a better understanding of the water cycle, how we use water, and why water conservation is important. This knowledge will help students learn what they can do to protect the Earth.   

• Water Usage and Conservation Lesson Plans

• Water Usage Lesson PowerPoint

• “My Water Footprint” Worksheet

• Day 3 Written Response Worksheet

• Tennessee Curriculum Standards:

  • 3.ESS2, 3.OA.C.7

  • 4.ESS3, 4.ETS2, 4.NBT.B.5

The purpose of this lesson is to build upon the knowledge students already  have about the water cycle and to further educate them on where their water comes from and where it goes once they have used it. Students will identify the differences between sewer drains and storm drains , evaluate the ecological damages that occur from storm drain dumping, will create a PSA informing the public about the importance of proper waste disposal.

• Sewers and Storm Drains Lesson Plans

• Guided Video Notes Sheet

• Sewage treatment Facts for Kids

• Tennessee Curriculum Standards:

  • 4.ESS3, 4.ETS2

  • 5.PS2, 5.ETS2

  • 6.LS2

The purpose of this lesson is to build upon and expand the knowledge students  have covering the global water crisis and why it’s important. Students will record information they learn from the video, evaluate and discuss the world’s water crisis, then write a persuasive letter to their community leaders (mayor, governor, etc.) informing them of ways they can work to resolve the water crisis locally.  

• • The Global Water Crisis Lesson Plans

  • Guided Video Notes: Global Water Crisis

  • Guided Dicussion Prompts Worksheet

  • Persuasive Letter Writing Instructions

  • Tennessee Curriculum Standards:

    • 6.LS2, 6.L.KL.3

    • 7.L.KL.3

    • 8.ESS3, 8.L.KL.3

This 18-minute video gives students an overview of the water issues throughout the world. The lesson plans and supporting documents allow students to form their own thoughts, understandings, and potential solutions!

The purpose of this lesson is to build upon the knowledge students may already have about the water cycle and to further educate them on our local water source. In this lesson, students will learn about the Memphis aquifer, the source of their drinking water, and the effects of groundwater pollution through a hands-on activity. Each student will build an aquifer model in a cup to observe the water’s behavior before and after it is “contaminated”. We will introduce new vocabulary and encourage critical thinking. Students can use the information they learn in this lesson to teach their families and to make better choices regarding water conservation and pollution management.

• Aquifer in a Cup Lesson Plan
• Aquifer in a Cup PowerPoint
• Tennessee Curriculum Standards:
  • 3.ESS2
  • 4.ESS3, 4.ETS2
  • 5.PS2, 5.ETS2
  • 6.LS2, 6.ESS3

Virtual Learning Videos & Questionnaire

1. Before you watch Video 1: Take this short questionnaire before you watch Video 1!
2. Video Part 1: water cycle, about groundwater, about the Memphis aquifer, water conservation
3. Video Part 2: Build an Edible Aquifer!
   1. You will need: clear cup, crushed ice or cookies, ice cream, water or soda, food coloring, straw
4. After you watch Video 2: Take this short questionnaire after you watch Video 1 so we know what you learn!

Interested in a Virtual Classroom activity guided by a staff member at CAESER? Request programming today!

Don’t forget: Take the Pre-Test first!

Are you ready to build an edible aquifer?

Don’t forget: Take the Post-Test last!

There are multiple water cycle activities to choose from, with the lesson plan covering the Water Cycle Wheel and Water Cycle in a Bag. Sing-a-long links are included in the lesson plan – one is a rap, the other is folk. Conduct them all for a greater understanding of the water cycle!

These activities can be done in the classroom but are also great activity for virtual learning. All can be done at home!

• The Water Cycle Lesson Plan

• Water Cycle PowerPoint

• Water Cycle Song Lyrics

• Video Guided Notes

• Water Cycle Wheel Printout

• Tennessee Curriculum Standards:

  • 1.PS3

  • 2.ESS1

  • 3.ESS2

  • 4.ESS3

Another great activity for virtual learning – it allows students to use their creativity!

Build a model of the water cycle using using materials that can be found at home. What can represent a cloud? We used coffee filters! What about the ground? Let students’ imagination roam as they create a model containing all the water cycle processes.

Watch on YouTube